Mississippi Criminal Law Attorneys Protect Your Rights

Experienced counsel for those accused of crimes in Pascagoula

If you have been charged with a crime, or if you are under investigation, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our attorneys at Cumbest, Cumbest, Hunter & McCormick have extensive trial experience and will fight to protect your rights. We will take the time to talk to you and to get a clear understanding of your case. We work hard to prepare a defense that gives you the best possible outcome.

Because criminal prosecution is complex, people often become confused by the criminal justice system and don’t know where to turn. Individuals are often unaware of their rights and feel intimidated by the authorities. Police and prosecutors have limited responsibility to inform you of your rights.

Without an experienced, dedicated defense attorney, you may spend more time in jail or be required to pay a heftier fine. We offer experienced criminal defense representation for those facing the following charges:

Drug crimes

DUI

Theft crimes

Traffic violations

Violent crimes

Weapons charges

White collar crimes

What crimes are misdemeanors in Mississippi?

Criminal law encompasses misdemeanors and felonies. Either may cause major disruptions to your life and your family’s.

Even a lesser crime can cause major problems. Although a misdemeanor is considered a less serious crime, it can create problems for you, such as a sentence in county jail of up to one year and/or a fine.

Examples of felonies and their consequences

Serious crimes involve the risk of substantial losses.Homicide, armed robbery, drug crimes, sex offenses, aggravated assault and vehicular homicide are just some examples of felonies. A felony is a major crime punishable by a state or federal prison sentence, or even the death penalty.

If you are convicted of a felony, it can have serious consequences. In addition to time served in prison, you face substantial fines and court costs and may be required to pay restitution to the victims. Additional consequences for certain felony convictions include losing the right to vote, to receive a professional license or to be bonded. Convicted felons are prohibited from owning firearms. A felony conviction can follow you for the rest of your life and have a negative impact on your employment prospects.

Driving under the influence

Driving while drunk or intoxicated is a serious crime in Mississippi. As in most other states, the legal blood alcohol content limit is .08 percent.

If you arrested in Mississippi for driving under the influence (DUI), you are subject to both an administrative trial and a criminal trial. Punishment can include suspension or revocation of your driver license, substantial fines and jail time. In Mississippi, a second DUI offense within five years of the first one for people over the age of 21 is a misdemeanor. It carries the following penalties:

Fine of $250 to $1,000, plus court fees

Not more than 48 hours in jail (or participation in a victim impact panel)

Mandatory participation in the Mississippi Alcohol Safety Education Program (MASEP)

Suspension of driving privileges for 90 days and until the MASEP program is completed

The penalties for a third or subsequent DUI offense within five years or a DUI manslaughter or serious personal injury carries much larger fines and more severe penalties along with the consequences of having a felony conviction on your record.

There are other penalties for DUI when you are under the age of 21 and for holders of commercial driver licenses. If you hold a CDL and get a second DUI conviction, you lose your license for the rest of your life.

The penalties for DUI in Mississippi are severe, and the additional consequences of a DUI conviction can include higher insurance premiums, damage to your driving record and a criminal history that prohibits you from landing a good job.

If you have been charged with DUI in Mississippi, it is vital to contact a criminal defense attorney familiar with DUI laws. At the law firm of Cumbest, Cumbest, Hunter & McCormick, we have been fighting for our clients’ rights for more than 50 years. Attorney John L. Hunter is our lead criminal defense attorney. He will do everything he can to diminish the consequences of having a drunk driving conviction on your record.

At Cumbest, Cumbest, Hunter & McCormick, we understand the importance of your freedom and your reputation. We can work hard on your behalf to protect both. Contact us online or call us at 866.461.1591 to schedule a confidential consultation.

Attorney Advertising. This website is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advice nor the formation of a lawyer/client relationship. [ Site Map ] [ Bookmark Us ]